Traveling is an opportunity for unparalleled excitement. It is a time when we escape the daily grind and plan for the future. For the different reasons we travel, for business or pleasure, one constant remains with us:our laptops and mobile devices.
Although we use our devices for different purposes and with varying frequency, we all need to be aware of the dangers that are exposed to our devices. Hackers understand that our computers are vulnerable when they travel. These internet ninjas are armed with several strategies to disrupt your travels and damage your device.
This should serve as a succinct guide to hacker tactics and what you should do to protect your computer.
What is my password?
If your password is strong enough, sometimes even you have to guess. Password strength is a crucial first step in protecting your computing devices from the agenda of a hacker. One of the most common mistakes is having a password that a hacker can easily guess, such as “password1”. Generally speaking, you'll want to avoid any combination an idiot puts on their luggage.
While some accounts require strength indicators, many do not. Having the same password for every account is also dangerous. If your password is easily guessed and hacked, the hacker now has access to all your information on all your networks and accounts. If this happens while you're traveling, it could lead to more than a serious headache. Identity theft, after all, can be a life changing event.
To combat this problem, there are a few simple steps you can take. Increase the strength of your password by using lower and upper case combinations, include numbers or symbols, and make sure the word(s) is unique to you and not something a stranger might guess. One thing to try:create 2-4 password options of varying strength and use them across your accounts and for different time periods. This will ensure that you are always one step ahead, especially when preparing to travel.
Hot spots and security
We are often forced to adapt while traveling, and in the information age, that means finding a connection in foreign places. The ability to connect to a hotspot identified by your computer can be great for anyone who needs to work. These hotspots are common in travel, often found in airports, hotels or cafes, and they are a place where hackers keep a close eye on activity. Wi-fi lurkers are among the main types of identity thieves, after all.
To avoid paranoia and protect yourself, start with a few simple steps. Make sure, before connecting to the hot spot, that the name is correct and verified by the company as being the correct working network. When using Wi-Fi at hotspots, make sure the networks are encrypted and secure.
To further protect yourself from hacker attacks while on the go, you may want to consider implementing a full suite of backup, security, and support services. There's nothing to stop your vacation or travel from being hacked and your identity stolen and it's easier for people than you think. But the question is how do you know if you have been hacked and what is identity theft? Familiarizing yourself with this topic is a great way to better protect yourself.
Limited activity
The final step to protecting your computer while traveling revolves around your activity. Hackers monitor network activity by tracking your whereabouts on the Internet, so protect yourself by being proactive with your accounts. If you're signed in to multiple accounts, be sure to sign out consistently. Limit the number of personal file transfers such as bank account statements or minimal business emails; by doing this, your network is less volatile and less attractive to a hacker looking for the good stuff.
When traveling, you should use your computer as normal – just treat it with more care and be aware of every click. In our personal life, we tend to leave our computers or accounts open for easy access later. But when you're traveling, understanding how to manage your business can make the difference in staying safe and getting hacked.
Be sure to back up your important data to a flash drive by other means (cloud, removable hard drive, etc.). Many of us use different devices, switching seamlessly between our laptops, tablets, and smartphones without thinking too much about it. Use each of the devices for a specific purpose while on the go, and encrypting or backing up each of the files is a great defense against hackers. This is extremely important in case something goes wrong during your trip.
Time to travel
We now understand some of the ways hackers try to disrupt our travel plans and how to protect ourselves. Our computers have become more than an option for our travel plans:they are a necessity. We use devices for many different activities, which can sometimes make them vulnerable to hacker attacks. Review the steps to protect your computer and travel with peace of mind. Have you had a problem with pirates while traveling? Share your story below.
Photo credit :Pablo Ruiz Muzquiz
